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A Major Labor Boom in CNY? Not Here Yet
With so many major projects going on — Micron, I-81 viaduct and others — job growth is predicted to increase. But so far the number of jobs in the region has declined By Aaron Gifford [caption id=attachment_11065 align=alignright width=350] Amy Stage, deputy director at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY): “For us, the conversation isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about creating sustainable pathways that help people see a future for themselves in manufacturing.”[/caption] The I-81 viaduct project in Syracuse and Micron facility construction in Clay are expected to create a major labor boom for Central New York. But for the time being, the number of jobs here has actually decreased in the past year. The New York State Department of Labor reported that, for the annual comparison of June 2025 to this past June, private sector jobs decreased by 2,200 or less than 1% to 260,000. Job gains were concentrated in leisure and hospitality (+700), private education and health services (+400) and other services (+300). Job losses for that annual period were reported in the areas of trade, transportation and utilities (-1,500); professional and business services (-1,000); financial activities (-500); mining, logging and construction (-300); manufacturing (-200); and information (-100). The public sector job count rose over 12 months, with most growth concentrated in education, the state Department of Labor reported. Looking ahead, the Central New York economy is expected to benefit from both the Micron and I-81 viaduct projects over a period of several years. Initial job growth is foreseen in construction and computer and electronic manufacturing. Spin-off jobs will be created in the areas of professional and business services, health care and education, the state Department of Labor said in an email response to Oswego County Business magazine. “Population growth tied to the buildout of Micron Technology semiconductor complex in Clay is also expected to bring more workers and residents to the region, increasing demand for transportation services,” the agency said. New York Department of Labor highlighted current or projected job growth trends in various sectors. An increase in defense-related contracts at local high-tech employers has continued to support employment growth in the computer and electronic product manufacturing sector and Micron is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs as the project progresses. This sector paid an annual average wage of $117,500 in 2025 and employment in the sector is projected to grow by over 60% through 2032, making it the fastest-growing industry in the region. Typical occupations in this industry include electrical, electronic and electromechanical assemblers, software developers and industrial engineers, the state agency reported. Specialty trade contractors include several different types of tradespeople — electricians, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) mechanics and installers. Many of these positions are trained through apprenticeships, the state Department of Labor reported. The Interstate 81 construction project is generating local jobs, including construction laborers, projected to grow at a 6.4% rate, and operating engineers and other construction equipment operators, projected to grow at a 7.3% rate over the next several years. Construction of the Micron Technology facility is also “creating thousands of job opportunities that will continue over the next two decades,” the state agency reported. The specialty trade contractors sector paid an annual average wage of $86,200 in 2025. For Central New York, the challenge isn’t creating jobs, it’s filling them. Amy Stage, a deputy director at the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), said meeting this unprecedented growth is a much larger task than just replacing retirees. “We’re seeing workforce gaps at every experience level,” she said. “Companies need entry-level employees, experienced technicians, supervisors, engineers and skilled trades professionals. The opportunity is tremendous, but we need more people entering these career pathways.” Employers are looking for people who can troubleshoot, read technical information, use computers and learn new processes, not just perform repetitive production work, Stage said. To address this demand, the MACNY created the Manufacturers Talent Institute, which aims to connect students and job seekers with meaningful career pathways while helping employers build their workforce. Twenty-one companies have so far signed up to provide opportunities for more than 800 students. “For us, the conversation isn’t just about filling jobs,” Stage said. “It’s about creating sustainable pathways that help people see a future for themselves in manufacturing.” Several manufacturing facilities in the region are in the midst of expansion: • TTM Technologies, a leading U.S. manufacturer of advanced electronics and interconnect solutions for aerospace, defense and high-technology markets, which has a plant in DeWitt, completed its buildout of an additional facility, adding 400 jobs and expanding production of high-tech circuit boards for defense and critical electronics applications. • In Cortlandville, the Byrne Hollow Crossing Plant, a dairy manufacturing and processing facility, is increasing its operations, creating 100 new jobs. • The Chobani yogurt company is building a 1.4-million square foot dairy processing facility in Oneida County. This will create more than 1,000 good-paying jobs and double Chobani’s New York state workforce, Stage said. Stage noted several ways that local, state and federal governments can help spur manufacturing job growth in this region. Elected leaders and public agencies could work with industry representatives to create pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs seeking to upskill workers and improve employee retention. New York state has a variety of grants, tax incentives and financing programs to support site preparation, infrastructure, workforce development and capital investment. The U.S. Department of Labor has a pay-for-performance incentive program that provides employers $3,500 per new apprentice hired and retained for 90 days. MACNY was previously awarded an $87,000 federal grant that will cover 25 apprentices at nine companies. The manufacturing skills gap in the United States, at its current rate, could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, according to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute. In New York state, that gap is on pace to exceed 100,000 unfilled positions within six years. Manufacturing companies will be counting on more women to help fill that gap. While women make up half of the overall U.S. workforce, they only account for 29% of the manufacturing workforce in this country, Stage said. “Pre-apprenticeship programs like Real Life Rosies help to bring awareness to the manufacturing industry to fill some of the gaps, but we have a long way to go and it starts with educating people at younger ages about careers in manufacturing and earn-and-learn opportunities,” she said. As for Micron, that $100 billion-plus project, considered the largest private investment in New York state history, is expected to eventually create up to 50,000 jobs throughout the region, factoring in the spin-off opportunities for construction and supply chains. The plant’s foundation was poured on July 9. “As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, data and memory are foundational to the modern economy — and Micron is increasing our U.S. investments to more than $250 billion through 2035 to meet that moment,” the company’s president and CEO, Sanjay Mehrotra, said in a news release. Bechtel, Micon’s construction partner in the project, reported that 4,500 people will be employed to help build the facility, including skilled craft professionals, local union members representing various trades and apprentices. The Syracuse-based CenterState CEO organization tallies the regional labor force at 397,582 workers (Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison and Oswego counties). Job growth isn’t limited to the Central New York region. For the larger area covering portions of the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern tier, and the western part of the state, there are 155,601 employees in the advanced manufacturing sector, and 155,275 construction workers. The agency’s 2026 Economic Forecast report noted that 41% of community and business leaders surveyed said a shortage of skilled workers in this area remains a problem, though 77% shared a positive economic outlook for the year ahead. Beyond the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing areas, local business leaders also see growth in small manufacturing companies, storage businesses, housing, unmanned flight technology and general construction. “Productive reuse of property,” the report said, “will hopefully continue to preserve unique architecture while driving business.” The report identified several challenges for economic growth in the region, including an aging workforce, outdated equipment, the rising cost of raw materials and “the disconnect between the speed of business needs and the pace of talent readiness.”
Resume workshops, job fairs announced for Oneida County
First Choice Staffing and the Mid-York Library System have announced the "Let's Get You Job-Ready" initiative for October and November to help people in Oneida County strengthen their resumes and other job search tips.
OCHD launches first public health vending machine
The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) recently announced the launch of its first public health vending machine.
Women's Fund to honor four with Dream, Achieve, Inspire awards
NEW HARTFORD — The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is celebrating its work supporting women and girls with a dinner at the Yahnundasis Golf Club, 8639 Seneca Turnpike,
Oneida County Health Department installs public health vending machine
Oneida County Health Department installs public health vending machine
Cornell Cooperative Extension to host annual meeting, dinner
NEW HARTFORD — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County will host its Annual Meeting and Stakeholders Dinner at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Valentino’s Banquet Hall, 3899 Oneida
1983 Utica Blue Sox reunite at History Center
The Oneida County History Center will host a reunion of the 1983 Utica Blue Sox championship team, featuring players, stories and memorabilia.
Health department to offer flu vaccine starting Sept. 14
The Oneida County Health Department is reminding parents that back-to-school season is a good time to check whether your child’s vaccinations are up to date. “Staying up to date on …
Turning Stone Completes Historic 'Evolution' Project
The Oneida Indian Nation has finished its $400 million Turning Stone Evolution project.
Oneida Nation preparing to swear in new business committee
The committee is the overseer of daily operations and governance, and they’re elected every three years.
See which local eateries passed inspection
See the latest food service inspection reports from Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties, including violations, inspector comments and restaurants with no violations.
Inspections find violations at area restaurants
Review June 2026 food service inspection reports from the New York State Department of Health for restaurants, schools and other food establishments in Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties.
Fireworks at Boonville-Oneida County Fair rescheduled
The fireworks at the Boonville-Oneida County Fair have been rescheduled to Friday due to the rainy weather this week, according to organizers.
Boonville Oneida County Fair Dedicates Building to Carl Trainor
On opening day, the Boonville Oneida County Fair hosted a special dedication ceremony recognizing Carl Trainor, a longtime volunteer and organizer.
Oneida County Fair showcases new rides and entertainment for attendees this year
The Oneida County Fair has been a staple since 1896. While it will still have the traditional feel, there will be new attractions this year.
138th Boonville-Oneida County Fair Opens Tuesday
The Boonville-Oneida County Fair is setting up to welcome visitors for its 138th year.
Oneida Nation elects Business Committee members to serve the nation through 2029
The Oneida Nation elected its governing Business Committee on Saturday, re-electing Chairman Tehassi Hill and choosing several new members.
Boonville-Oneida County Fair Returns July 28
The Boonville-Oneida County Fair will soon bring families and visitors together for its 138th year with a week of exhibits, rides and live entertainment.
Western Town Library plans free July programs
Western Town Library will host free July events including a magic show, Oneida Carry history presentation and the Utica ZooMobile.
Oneida County executive wants to ban sale of kratom
The proposed law needs to be reviewed for 30 days by legislators.
Oneida County Pride Festival Returns June 6 in Clinton
Pride Weekend is set to bring a range of events and celebrations to the area, with the Oneida County Pride Alliance hosting its fourth annual Pride Festival.
Oneida County State of the County address touches on housing efforts
He said a PILOT agreement will be voted on next week which would include a new tax exemption policy increasing the types of housing that can be incentivized.
Spring Cleaning: Hundreds of youths join annual spring cleanup in Oneida County
Bradley and Adey were part of a crew of nearly a dozen students from the honor societies in New Hartford High School and Strough Middle School who were out cleaning yards on Saturday. They visited two homes in Rome to rake cleaves, clear paths and pick up sticks leftover from winter — seemingly simple tasks that some seniors either can no longer do themselves or can't afford to hire a professional.
Jack Henke to discuss Oneida Lake history
Historian Jack Henke will present a talk and book signing on Oneida Lake history April 4 at the Oneida County History Center in Utica.
Oneida County awarded $60K to support first responder mental health
Oneida County has been awarded a grant to implement a comprehensive wellness initiative designed to support first responders and uniformed personnel.
Oneida County Awarded Two Mental Health Training Designations
February 25, 2026 - Oneida County has been awarded two training designations that will strengthen crisis response throughout the county. The Oneida County
Oneida County Health Plan Targets Poverty, Anxiety, Prenatal Care
Oneida County is launching a new plan to improve community health by focusing on poverty, anxiety and stress, and prenatal care through 2030.
Oneida County Releases New Community Health Assessment & Improvement Plan
February 3, 2026 - County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today the release of Oneida County’s new Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan
Screening highlights legacy of Utica’s Old Main
A new documentary explores the history of Utica’s Old Main asylum, with a local screening drawing a full audience at the Oneida County History Center.
Head of Oneida Nation's business group replaced over ICE contracts
The former president and CEO of an Oneida Nation group of small businesses has been ousted following fallout over one company’s contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
UPDATED: Heat Restored at Oneida Rec Center
The Oneida Rec Center is closed due to a delay in the delivery of a crucial part needed to repair the boiler.
N.Y. Assembly GOP leader endorses Robert Smullen in NY-21 race
Smullen has represented parts of Herkimer, Fulton, Montgomery, Oneida and Otsego counties in the state Assembly since 2019.
138th Boonville-Oneida County Fair Features Nashville Star
The 138th annual Boonville-Oneida County Fair will take place from July 28 to Aug. 2, 2026.